If quarterbacks were chess pieces, Aaron Rodgers wouldn’t be just a king—he’d be the master player trying to control the board. But in today’s NFL, even the most revered veterans are realizing just how easily they can be replaced. Kirk Cousins learned this the hard way. And now, Rodgers is watching it unfold, perhaps wondering if he’s next.
The Pittsburgh Steelers are shaking up the NFL chessboard. HC Mike Tomlin confirmed that the team is still evaluating their quarterback options for 2025. “We’re optimistic about the room that we’re constructing,” Tomlin said during the NFL owners’ meetings. “But certainly, we’re going to continue to explore all our options in terms of rounding that room out”. This reflects Pittsburgh’s approach to ensuring depth and competition in their quarterback room while remaining open to potential moves.
Amid this clear decision to keep exploring, whispers of Aaron Rodgers’ potential involvement linger, making the QB room more than just about depth—it’s about what could have been. That sense of ‘what could have been’ stems from Rodgers’ looming presence over the Steelers’ offseason. Sports broadcasters like Nick Wright have speculated that Rodgers “has the Steelers by the throat,” suggesting he might be leveraging his availability to influence Pittsburgh’s draft strategy and ensure they don’t select a quarterback in the first round.
Rodgers, for his part, doesn’t seem fazed by whatever the Steelers decide. A tweet shared by Steelers Depot captured ESPN insider Adam Schefter’s take on the matter. Schefter says, “Do you think he cares? Do you think that he thinks a rookie quarterback is gonna outplay him or take his job? No”. His name may have hovered around the discussion, but Schefter’s remarks underscore the reality—Rodgers was never emotionally invested. Still, his influence on the Steelers’ timeline is hard to ignore.
‘Do You Think He Cares?’: Schefter Doesn’t Believe Aaron Rodgers Is Worried About Steelers Drafting QB #Steelers #NFL #Pittsburgh https://t.co/ik5HF6RP9o
— Steelers Depot 7⃣ (@Steelersdepot) April 10, 2025
Aaron Rodgers has made one thing clear this offseason—he’s not losing any sleep over what the Steelers do next. Even after spending a six-hour sit-down with Mike Tomlin and GM Omar Khan, he walked away without giving them a yes or a no. That’s classic Rodgers: no deadlines, no pressure, just doing things on his own clock. ESPN’s Adam Schefter backed that up perfectly, saying Rodgers isn’t the least bit worried about Pittsburgh drafting a quarterback. Rodgers’ confidence is sky high, and it’s clear he’s not hanging on to whatever the Steelers decide.
Still, that doesn’t mean he hasn’t affected their plans. Pittsburgh’s been in a holding pattern—keeping the door open for Rodgers while also doing their homework on young QBs to fill the gaps. It’s a tricky balancing act, and one that says a lot about Rodgers’ weight in the conversation. Even if he’s not all-in, his shadow’s big enough to reshape how the team is preparing for the draft. Insiders believe Pittsburgh’s willingness to move ahead with or without him is more about protecting themselves from uncertainty than making any grand statement. Nobody wants to be the next high-priced QB watching from the sidelines while a rookie takes over. Maybe that’s what’s making him stall for time?
Kirk Cousins’ NFL wake-up call hits Aaron Rodgers personally
While the Steelers moved on from their Rodgers hopes, another quarterback found himself in a similar yet more startling situation—Kirk Cousins. After signing a four-year, $180 million deal with the Falcons, Cousins expected he would be the future in Atlanta. But on draft night, the team stunned everyone by selecting Washington’s Michael Penix Jr. with the No. 8 overall pick.
Rodgers took notice and expressed sympathy for Cousins during a press conference. “I love Kirk,” Rodgers said. “I’ve been in touch with him during the rehab phase, and it’s tough coming off an Achilles at any age. Also, they drafted a kid. So, he obviously had a really good start to the season. There’s ebbs and flows in the year. There’s not a lot of patience in this league”. He added, “Kirk’s played at a high level for a long, long time. So, any time there’s a change, that’s got to be hard. So, my heart goes out to him”. Rodgers’ comments highlight his empathy for Cousins’ situation and his understanding of how quickly teams can move on from veteran quarterbacks in favor of younger talent.
The Steelers’ quarterback situation has been fluid since Ben Roethlisberger’s retirement. GM Omar Khan acknowledged this challenge during his media session at the NFL Combine: “It’s not easy. It’s not ideal. We addressed it last year. We’re addressing it this year. At some point, there has to be a long-term solution.” Khan’s statement highlights Pittsburgh’s ongoing efforts to find stability at quarterback while balancing short-term needs with long-term planning.
The franchise has explored various options, including Russell Wilson and Justin Fields, both of whom played for Pittsburgh last season but remain unsigned for 2025. Khan emphasized flexibility: “All options are on the table until we resolve our quarterback situation”. This openness reflects Pittsburgh’s willingness to adapt as they navigate an uncertain market for quarterbacks.
Mike Tomlin’s remarks about constructing a competitive quarterback room show Pittsburgh’s focus on building depth while keeping options open for future moves. Meanwhile, Omar Khan’s acknowledgment of their “not ideal” plan underscores the team’s awareness of its challenges and commitment to finding a solution. As Cousins’ situation serves as a cautionary tale for veterans like Rodgers, both quarterbacks face an NFL landscape increasingly focused on youth and potential rather than past accolades.
Pittsburgh pivoted. Atlanta preempted. And Rodgers? As both stories unfold, he’s watching, calculating, and perhaps quietly planning his final checkmate.
Stay tuned—Rodgers might still have a few moves left on the board.
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